Momentum: Equilibrium opened with a three-day exhibition at the 10th floor, Design + Arts (D+A) Campus from July 30 to Aug. 1, illuminating a bright path for Multimedia Arts (MMA) students with the Benilde MMA Portfolio Awarding Ceremony on its second day.

With the opening of the exhibition, the 10th floor of the D+A Campus became lively as it was filled with over 100 shining artworks from the “Luminators” (MMA student artists)---incorporating the theme “Equilibrium.” According to the opening remarks of MMA’s Coordinator, Ms. Erika Garalde, “[...] Equilibrium, this term’s MMA portfolio exhibit, captures not just balance but the creative tension that makes great work come alive.” 

Elegantly trailblazing the art scene in Benilde

This term’s Momentum focused on a more elegant and ethereal theme compared to the past events—featuring artworks in line with the theme. This exhibition creates a way for MMA students to find the balance between the hardships of learning multiple mediums of art and focusing on their strengths.

Calysta Bautista, an ID122 AB-MMA student and the Exhibit Director, shared her definition of Equilibrium in her interview with The Benildean, “[...] Finding contentment sa sarili…[and] works mo. For me, contentment doesn’t mean [that] you’re stagnant, it just means na ‘di mo i-bbring down ‘yung sarili mo… kahit na alam mo na nandito ka palang, you know that you’ll get there.”

The opening of the exhibition was held on July 30, with a special performance by JUNA and A.Priv_A. The ribbon to officially open the exhibit was cut by MMA’s Program Chairperson, Ms. Katrina Juane. With multiple artworks featured in the exhibition, Bautista wishes for the event-goers to look beyond what is in front of them. “I know, na it’s very personal, so I wish na ‘yung mga pupunta dito, mas ma-get to know pa nila yung mga art [and] artists in that way.”

According to Kurt Navarro, ID123 Creative Industries Management (AB-CIM) student and event-goer, “[The event] was really full of energy, the hosts were doing a great job, [the luminaries’] pieces are very different, it represents what they can do. Every time you see an artist, you can’t help but to admire them, because they’re all beautiful in their creative ways.”

A stage for the luminators

The Benilde MMA Portfolio Awarding Ceremony was held last July 31 at the D+A Theater, to shine light on the artists whose works are currently exhibited. The event featured nominees who showcased exemplary skill in seven different categories: photography, video, graphic design, illustration, 3D modelling, animation, and portfolio.

The panelists of this term’s Momentum are designer, illustrator, and Benilde alumna and former Benildean Press Corps Creative Director, Ms. Kitty Jardenil, Ms. Krista Ortega—also a Benilde alumna filmmaker, photographer, multimedia specialist, and former Editor in Chief of the Benildean Yearbook Office (now Ad Astra), Mr. Jeffrey Anbio, graphic designer, Mr. Jose Rizal Victor, and photographer Mr. Miguel Sy.

During the program, Ms. Jardenil expressed what she was looking for in a portfolio, “It was more of who had the strongest voice, someone who has their niche… it’s more of what they feel their strength is.”

The winners for each multimedia award category are:

Best in Photography - Santos Miguel Bugarin (ID119)

Best in Video - Jerome Pompa (ID121)

Best in Graphic Design - Frances Bianca Bautista (ID122)

Best in Illustration - Elena Victoria Moran (ID120)

Best in 3D Modelling - Mary Josephine Arnante (ID122)

Best in 3D Animation - Iya Crisostomo (ID122)

The Best in Portfolio was presented to the top 3 students, including:

Top 1 - Bugarin 

Top 2 - Bautista 

Top 3 - Xylene Del Castillo (ID122)

In her interview, Mary Anne Nicole Dela Cruz, ID122 AB-MMA student and the assistant project manager of the awarding event, expressed a message for the Luminaries, “[...] Continue to show and shine whatever talents that they have, and don’t ever dim their light for anybody… be as unique as they can… Don’t be afraid to shine their light and show the world how creative MMA people can be.”

The twinkling cherry on top

As the award winner of both “Best in Photography” and  “Best in Portfolio,” Bugarin shared his thoughts on his recent achievement. “I think ‘yung feeling niya is, puro gratitude… ‘yung feeling na nakita mo ‘yung result ng hard work… in every work na ginagawa mo.”

Similarly, Bugarin mentioned the motivation that this event has brought him, “[...] Mas na-motivate [ako] to give more in every work or project na mabibigay… sa akin. ‘Yung award… highlight lang siya. So the award is to boost the motivation [to] continue, hindi goal is magka-award, ‘yung goal is to put out great work.”